Shima Yamaguchikan
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 224 reviews
Shima Yamaguchikan sits on the banks of the clear Shima River in the Shima Onsen valley of Gunma Prefecture. The ryokan occupies a wooden building whose hot spring source wells up beneath the property and operates multiple bathing areas including a large public onsen and riverside open-air baths that look across the forested gorge. Rooms are traditionally styled with tatami and futons or beds in certain types, and some room categories have private outdoor baths, making it a notable ryokan with onsen in Shima, Gumma.
Facilities include a moon-view lounge and a small café on the lobby floor, free on-site parking, and accessible fixtures in public areas. The property offers a mix of communal and reserved bathing options—the latter available as paid private-use observation baths or in-room open-air baths—plus toiletries, towels and public changing rooms maintained to local standards. Dinner and breakfast emphasize regional ingredients presented as set-course meals, and staff can help arrange nearby outdoor activities and local transfers.
The ryokan’s riverside position makes it a practical base for exploring the national-park landscape around Lake Shima and the Shima Blue viewpoints, where canyoning, canoeing and hiking are available in season. Direct bus links and regional train connections serve Nakanojo, with local buses onward to Shima Onsen; the front desk offers information on transit and activities. For travelers seeking a traditional bathing experience with the option of a private soak, this ryokan with private onsen in Gumma combines accessible facilities with a local focus on seasonal food and riverside onsen views.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shima Yamaguchikan
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience with river/mountain views
Many reviewers praised the baths (open-air rotenburo and indoor onsens) as the highlight — clean, hot, well-maintained and offering scenic views of the river, forest or mountains, including special night illuminations.
Friendly, helpful and attentive staff
Multiple guests highlighted warm, accommodating staff who went the extra mile, provided clear instructions for first-time onsen users and made stays feel welcoming despite occasional language gaps.
Beautiful, peaceful riverside location
Guests valued the tranquil setting by the river, snow/mountain scenery and the small-town atmosphere — described as relaxing, authentic and ideal for a getaway from the city.
Traditional, clean and comfortable rooms
Reviewers appreciated spacious tatami-style rooms, comfortable futons and traditional decor kept in very clean condition, often noting good value for the quality.
Good food and generous portions (often praised)
Many guests enjoyed the meals—traditional Japanese sets (teishoku/full-course) described as delicious, filling and representative of local specialties; several singled out excellent breakfasts and dinners.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent food quality for some guests
While many praised the meals, a number of reviewers found the dinner/breakfast only 'okay' or noted that course meals repeated over longer stays, indicating some inconsistency in expectations.
Dining area ambience and lighting issues
A few guests felt the dining room atmosphere could be improved — some described it as cafeteria-like or too brightly lit (especially for guests in less expensive rooms), which detracted from the otherwise traditional setting.
Language and service inconsistencies
Several reviews mentioned language barriers (English level could be better) and isolated reports of less-polite behaviour from some staff members, particularly by non-Japanese front-staff, making communication or the vibe imperfect for some visitors.
Lack of communication about renovations/transport details
At least one guest reported undisclosed renovation work at a private ryokan and difficulties discussing travel arrangements; reviewers recommended clearer pre-arrival communication about such issues.
Minor missing amenities and comfort points
A few minor complaints included absence of free coffee, uncomfortable pillows for some guests, and expected presence of insects near the river — generally small issues but noted by multiple visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in is from 14:30 to 18:00 and check-out is between 08:30 and 11:00; please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance and note the property restricts entry between 23:00 and 05:00.
Room types range from twin rooms to Japanese-style quadruple rooms with up to four futons; exact maximum occupancy depends on the room type, so check the room description when booking.
Yes — the ryokan offers multiple hot spring facilities including indoor public baths and open-air baths with river or mountain views.
The property provides a limited number of private baths that are typically available on a first-come, first-served or rental basis; ask reception on arrival to reserve one if available.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the common route is to take a JR train to Nakanojo Station and a local bus to Shima Onsen (about 40 minutes from Nakanojo). Contact the ryokan in advance to ask whether a private pick-up can be arranged.
Take a JR limited express or other service toward Nakanojo, then transfer to the local bus bound for Shima Onsen and get off at the Yamaguchi stop; the final bus leg is roughly 30–40 minutes.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; some English is available in practice but may be limited, so basic Japanese phrases or a translation app can be helpful.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving Japanese-style breakfasts and seasonal local dishes; there is also a café/bar and light-eating options on the property.
Shima Onsen’s river walks and multiple outdoor baths are immediate attractions, with nearby highlights including Ishidan-gai steps, local hiking, waterfalls, and Naeba Ski Resort within driving distance.
Pets are not allowed and the property does not permit parties or events; the booking information lists children as not allowed—please contact the ryokan directly if you are travelling with children to confirm current policy.